Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen speaks during a Corpus Christi celebration on June 1, 1970 while visiting Owensboro, Kentucky. COURTESY OF BILL KYLE/MESSENGER-INQUIRER
‘To honor the Blessed Sacrament’
Archbishop Fulton Sheen and Owensboro’s Corpus Christi celebration of 1970
BY EDWARD WILSON, ARCHIVES
“The priests and people are enthusiastic about your coming to Owensboro…” This is how Bishop Henry Soenneker, the second bishop of Owensboro, began a letter he was writing on May 4, 1970. The recipient of the letter was none other than Archbishop Fulton Sheen and Bishop Soenneker was not exaggerating about the priest’s and people’s enthusiasm.
By this time, Archbishop Sheen, famed for his Catholic television programs, was an utmost beloved Catholic authority, second only to the pope. The archbishop had agreed to give the homily at the Corpus Christi celebration on June 1 that year. This announcement captured even the attention of non-Catholics.
The preparation leading up to the event was frantic. Everyone involved was well aware of the draw and attention Archbishop Sheen was bringing to the little western Kentucky town. Ads were taken out for every newspaper, radio station, and television channel within the diocese and surrounding areas. Flight times, venues, accommodations, transport all had to be seen too. The event was shaping up to be as large as the consecration of a new bishop.
Bishop Soenneker sent his recommendations for the best way for Archbishop Sheen to make his way to Owensboro. Archbishop Sheen was given a list of flight times and advised to land in Louisville, at which point a generous Catholic doctor had loaned his Cadillac for the purpose of transport.
Shown is the letter from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen to Bishop Henry Soenneker thanking the latter for his hospitality during Archbishop Sheen’s visit to Owensboro for a Corpus Christi celebration on June 1, 1970. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES
Invitations and itineraries were sent out to the diocesan priests and bishops from the surrounding dioceses. Before the Corpus Christi celebration, a “meal in common” was to be had with Archbishop Sheen and the priests of the diocese at Gabe’s Steakhouse at 5:30. At the meal’s end, Archbishop Sheen was to deliver “A word of encouragement” to the priests. Though most were very excited, one young priest, in the spirit of the times, wrote a letter informing the bishop that he would attend the meal but would eat beforehand. He graciously declined the lavish provided meal on the account of social justice.
The day of the event arrived and everything went as planned. The Owensboro Sportscenter was filled to compacity. Among those in attendance were Archbishop Thomas McDonough, archbishop of Louisville; Bishop Charles Maloney, titular bishop of Bardstown and adjunct bishop of Louisville; Bishop Joseph Durick, bishop of Nashville; and Bishop Francis Shea, bishop of Evansville, as well as 87 priests of the Diocese of Owensboro.
Though many were doubtlessly excited about the presence of Archbishop Sheen, the celebrant, concelebrants and most of those in attendance did not forget what the celebration was about: the Blessed Sacrament. When someone absentmindedly called it a “celebration for Sheen,” Fr. George Boehmicke set him straight, stating, “We together with Bishop Sheen are to honor the Blessed Sacrament,” noting that he would hate to think that anyone else would “take first place” on such an occasion.
After the event Bishop Soenneker wrote Archbishop Sheen a letter thanking him and wishing him many more years in the service of Our Lord. Archbishop Sheen replied with a handwritten letter graciously thanking him for the opportunity and hospitality.
As many of you know, on the 24th of this month, we celebrate the beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen in St. Louis. Let us celebrate, with the entirety of the Church, this one step closer on his journey to sainthood – a path that lead him right through our diocese.
Edward Wilson is the director of the Diocese of Owensboro’s Archives and the Archives of the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph. Comments and questions may be sent to [email protected].
Press photo of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who will be beatified on Sept. 24, 2026. COURTESY OF ARCHIVES
Originally printed in the September 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
